Fantasy source

SQUEEZE PLAY

BY ROGER KUZNIA

Those who think spring training performance is a foolproof indicator of regular-season success need look no further than Royals outfielder Abraham Nunez.

With the Marlins last spring, Nunez had an eye-popping 10 home runs and 21 RBIs--ranking him first among all players in both categories. All that earned him was a spot on the Marlins' bench before he was traded to Kansas City. For the year, Nunez batted .214 with six homers and 34 RBIs. Heading into this season, he's not guaranteed a full-time job.

Even with established veterans, don't read too much into spring numbers. A's third baseman Eric Chavez hit .234 last spring, which might have suggested he was ready for a fall. But he had a productive 2004 season, hitting .276 with 29 homers despite missing six weeks with a broken hand.

There are times when spring statistics are relevant, though, and that's why we've added them to the Fantasy Source website.

For example, when an up-and-coming player has a bead on a starting job or wins it outright, spring stats will give you an idea of that player's abilities.

Last year, owners who were looking for speed might have been impressed by Ryan Freel's league-leading eight steals in spring training. Freel opened 2004 as the Reds' starting third baseman because Brandon Larson was on the disabled list. When Larson returned, injuries throughout the lineup allowed the versatile Freel to get regular playing time, and he finished with 37 steals. Those who followed Freel's situation closely, starting in spring, benefited.

It also helps to pay attention to spring stats when they involve a player returning from injury. Many owners took a chance on Troy Glaus after the solid spring he had, even though he entered 2004 with questions about his shoulder. He paid off handsomely for a brief period of time before getting hurt again. Owners then had a hole to fill, but at least Glaus helped them get off to a great start.

Check your local newsstand for the Fantasy Baseball Owners Manual or order at sportingnews.com/books or by calling 800-825-8508.

M@IL BONDING

CHRIS BAHR ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

Why not draft all of the top pitchers and best basestealers available? Ideally, one would win most of the pitching categories and the stolen base category.

Ben Cates, Iowa City, Iowa

Ben: I've never been a fan of "punting" categories, and I've never seen it work. Last season, a rival owner drafted only relief pitchers, hoping he'd win the save category and do very well in WHIP and ERA. Well, he finished fourth in an eight-owner, N.L.-only league with no minimum innings requirement. These simply is no way to guarantee you'll win a category, even if you land the elite players from the preseason rankings.

To submit a question to our fantasy experts, click on Daily Mail at fantasygames.sportingnews.com/baseball.

SNEAK PREVIEW

Major league general managers weren't the only ones busy making upgrades this off-season. We at the Fantasy Source did some tinkering to make our site even more indispensable for fantasy owners.

1. It's faster. Think "Carl Crawford on the bases" fast.

2. It's more customized. Get the lowdown on your players much more easily. For owners who play TSN Games, the site provides a list of the top free agents in your particular league based on our rankings.

3. It's loaded with new features. From spring training stats to expert chats, something will catch your eye. The Player Analyzer, which compares players based on their total 5x5 value, is sure to become a favorite for fantasy owners.

There are too many positive changes to list in this space. See them all at fantasysource.sportingnews.com/baseball/promo.html.--Rob Hurtt

RANKINGS

() Shortstops

(1) Miguel Tejada Orioles

(2) Derek Jeter Yankees

(3) Jimmy Rollins Phillies

(4) Edgar Renteria Red Sox

(5) Michael Young Rangers

(6) Rafael Furcal Braves

(7) Nomar Garciaparra Cubs

(8) Carlos Guillen Tigers

(9) Orlando Cabrera Angels

(10) Bobby Crosby Athletics

(11) B.J. Upton Devil Rays

(12) Pedro Feliz Giants

(13) Jack Wilson Pirates

(14) Juan Uribe White Sox

(15) Julio Lugo Devil Rays

(16) Angel Berroa Royals

(17) Kazuo Matsui Mets

(18) Omar Vizquel Giants

(19) Jose Valentin Dodgers

(20) Cesar Izturis Dodgers

The talent is thin at shortstop, so your team could benefit by drafting one of the top players. The key is selecting an elite option without reaching too early. Separating your rankings into talent tiers will help you get the best player available at just the fight time.

Sleeper: Juan Uribe, White Sox. In a semiregular role last season, Uribe hit 23 homers and scored 82 runs. Now that Jose Valentin is gone, expect Uribe to make a run at 25 homers as the White Sox's starter.

Stumbler: Valentin, Dodgers. He hit a career-high 30 home runs for the White Sox last season, but a move to pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium could curtail his production in his one dominant category. That would make his poor average even more difficult to take.